Some trailer questions - Best way to move these suckers

[rooooney]

I'm in the market and a lot of the boats I like seem to be selling with out trailers.

Question 1- If I buy a boat with a trailer (or buy a trailer on it's own) what's the best kind to look for. Im looking for a 18-22 ft pontoon.

2- If I buy a boat without one, and plan to keep it in the water anyway, whats the best way to move it? Do any companies rent anything that would make this possible?

 

[triumphrick]

Re: Some trailer questions - Best way to move these suckers

Unfortunately for you, pontoon boats require a specific trailer....you will not have much luck renting a trailer that a pontoon will come up on unless it is specific for the type of pontoon you have...
Many of those boats are left in the water and trailers seem to be not available...

 

[Jeep Man]

Re: Some trailer questions - Best way to move these suckers

Hello again Rooooney. As trailers go, there are two types, scissor and bunk. Scissor type is great for taking your boat out of the water (or putting in), but are not great for long highway hauls. Bunk types are well suited for highway travel. When you exceed 18' boats, seriously consider tandem axles and trailer brakes.
In my situation, I only need to transport the boat less than a thousand feet, and budget was an issue, so I built my own from a stripped down trailer frame.

 

[EGlideRider]

Re: Some trailer questions - Best way to move these suckers

I only take mine out of the water once per year for maintenance. I let the local marina come get it, service it, and put it back in the water.

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Some trailer questions - Best way to move these suckers

Pontoon trailers are NOT specific to the pontoon itself. Sissor trailers don't even use the pontoon for support as they carry the boat by the underlying framework. No adjustment is necessary however you do need one that is long enough and with a weight capacity for the job. Bunk style trailers do support the boat by the tubes and only minimal adjustment for width is required. Some pontoons are 8 feet wide and many newer models are 8.5 feet wide. Most marinas will indeed rent a pontoon trailer on a daily or weekend basis. Regardless, they are not difficult to adjust if any adjustment is actually needed.

 

[imported_John o]

Re: Some trailer questions - Best way to move these suckers

Pontoon trailers are NOT specific to the pontoon itself. Sissor trailers don't even use the pontoon for support as they carry the boat by the underlying framework. No adjustment is necessary however you do need one that is long enough and with a weight capacity for the job. Bunk style trailers do support the boat by the tubes and only minimal adjustment for width is required. Some pontoons are 8 feet wide and many newer models are 8.5 feet wide. Most marinas will indeed rent a pontoon trailer on a daily or weekend basis. Regardless, they are not difficult to adjust if any adjustment is actually needed.

This is true but there is one caveat, some of the high performance toons out there require a differently configured trailer. For example, the Manitou SHP has a center tube that is lower than the outer tubes. The Premier (EXP I think) has a much wider center tube that may need a different set up (Not certain on this one).

If you are looking at 2 tube pontoons then the width is really the only factor.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Some trailer questions - Best way to move these suckers

"2- If I buy a boat without one, and plan to keep it in the water anyway, whats the best way to move it?" if new, have the dealer deliver it.

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Some trailer questions - Best way to move these suckers

Having the dealer deliver it can be negotiated in the purchase price.. Depending on how far it needs to be delivered, that usually is quickly agreed to.

 

[rooooney]

Re: Some trailer questions - Best way to move these suckers

Is a crank up trailer the same as a scissor trailer?

 

[jeeperman]

Re: Some trailer questions - Best way to move these suckers

Is a crank up trailer the same as a scissor trailer?

I could see someone referring to a scissor lift trailer or a bunk trailer with a winch as being a crank up trailer.
Most of the bunk trailers have the bunks and cradles and guides u-bolted to the trailer framework and thus are pretty easily adjusted or removed to fit the boat.

When you have to remove it from the water, how far do you have to take it?
Up on shore for the winter or down the road?

Down here many of the marinas sell you a boat without a trailer as many are stored on boat lifts on the water. The purchase agreement includes lifetime haul outs for repairs or storage, etc. Of course they are hoping that you will then be hiring them for some maintenance work, etc. So if your buying new, your dealer might do that too in order to make the sale.

 

[Jeep Man]

Re: Some trailer questions - Best way to move these suckers

Is a crank up trailer the same as a scissor trailer?

Short answer....yes.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Some trailer questions - Best way to move these suckers

a bunk trailer has bunks the boat slides up on. a scissor trailer lowers so it can go under the center of the pontoon. then lifts up and raises the boat. some have cranks, some are electric.

left is bunk trailer, right is scissor.

 

[rogerwa]

Re: Some trailer questions - Best way to move these suckers

I leave my pontoon in the water all summer long. In the fall I pay $40 to rent the scissor trailer for 3 hours, pull it out of the water and then drop the pontoon on some blocks and cover it for the winter. I do the opposite in the spring..

If you are looking at 2 tube pontoons, there are many places to rent them. Just ask for one that is the right lenght. A 24' trailer will not work for a 21' boat as the motor pod will hit the crossmembers before it is all the way on.. A 21' trailer will have the needed support for a 24' boat..

There should be no problem renting one.

Other than than, just make sure you bring your own straps for the front and for the back..

 

[jafo9]

Re: Some trailer questions - Best way to move these suckers

my first toon had no trailer. my second toon (bought used) came with a standard bunk trailer. i love having the trailer so I can pull it out when i want to. i will likely take it out only once or twice a year. just nice to be on my schedule.